SAD NEWS: Dish Nation Co-Host David ‘Kidd’ Kraddick, Dies Suddenly At 53, His Show Was Nationally Syndicated!! -- Details Inside -- We are so sad to report the death of Kidd Kraddick (center), host of the nationally syndicated radio program “Kidd Kraddick in the Morning” and co-host of the TV show “Dish Nation.” Even though Kidd Kraddick and his team were based in Dallas and “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” broadcasts from Atlanta, the personalities frequently connected with each other on “Dish Nation” as you can see in this video.

Kidd Kraddick died suddenly on Saturday, July 27th in New Orleans during a golf tournament benefitting his charity, and according to RAMP, Clear Channel SVP of Operations Kelly Kibler Owens released this statement:

It is with a very heavy heart, that I am sending you this e-mail. It has been confirmed that Kidd Kraddick passed away today in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd’s Kids charity. He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him.

All of us at Kiss-FM, Clear Channel Dallas, YEA Networks and the “Kidd Kraddick in the Morning”crew are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend and leader. Kidd devoted his life to making people smile every morning, and for 21 years, his foundation has been dedicated to bringing joy to thousands of chronically and terminally ill children. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and his colleagues. At the appropriate time, we will release more information about the cause of death. Thank you.”

The “Dish Nation” staff expressed their condolences on Facebook saying:

Twentieth Television and the team at “Dish Nation” are heartbroken and deeply saddened by the loss of a great talent and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his longtime radio crew during this very difficult time.

Kidd Kraddick’s family also released a statement after his sudden death:

We are all shocked and saddened by Kidd’s untimely passing. At this time, we ask that you respect our privacy as we mourn and grieve our family’s tremendous loss.

“Kidd Kraddick in the Morning” is an extremely popular program that can be heard in about 100 cities. We salute the life and accomplishments of this radio legend, and will miss working with him on “Dish Nation.”

We send our sincere condolences, and will keep his family, friends and fans lifted in prayer.